Every people may establish what form of government they please, and change it as they please, the will of the nation being the only thing essential.

Never throw off the best affections of nature in the moment when they become most precious to their object; nor fear to extend you hand to save another, lest you should sink yourself.

Nature intended me for the tranquil pursuits of science by rendering them my supreme delight.

The way to silence religious disputes is to take no notice of them.

The most valuable of all talents is that of never using two words when one will do.

If you have any duty which must be done, and it seems disagreeable, do it promptly and have it over.

We are destined to be a barrier against the return of ignorance and barbarism. Old Europe will have to lean on our shoulders, and to hobble along by our side, under the monkish trammels of priests and kings, as she can. What a colossus shall we be when the southern continent comes up to our mark! What a stand will it seem as a ralliance for the reason and freedom of the globe!